Never mind its fearsome image, this little devil needs help

 

The tumors are very devastating. This is a harsh picture to look at. (click on) Page down to picture.


It's a dire set of circumstances for this mammal.

Tasmanian devil dying out

Hamish McCallum, professor of wildlife research at the University of Tasmania's school of zoology, said the disease, which usually results in death six months after the appearance of the first lesions, could lead to the extinction of the species within a decade.


Genetically distinct devils give new hope

Matthew Denholm
February 22, 2007

THE landmark discovery of a small group of genetically distinct Tasmanian devils could save the species from extinction.
Cytogeneticist Anne Maree Pearse has discovered that about 5 per cent of devils have a genetic make-up that, after a breeding program, could produce offspring less susceptible to cancers.
A unique infectious cancer, the fatal devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), has wiped out more than 40 per cent of wild devils.

Ms Pearse said yesterday her discovery, if backed by peer review, could lead to a breeding program to produce genetically superior devils.

These devils could then form a population to give the species "a whole new start" should DFTD destroy the rest of the species.

"Then, in a worst-case scenario of the devils becoming extinct, we may be able to have a group of devils that are a different strain but a lot healthier than the ones we have out there at the moment who are suffering," she said. "There have been people saying that there may be some underlying factor with this disease that makes them more prone. I think I may have found that underlying factor, which - with selective breeding - may be able to be overcome."

Ms Pearse stressed her research, to be submitted for peer review via an international scientific journal within months, was "still very theoretical".

But she said a breeding program using the 5 per cent of devils with the genetic factor could begin quickly once her findings had been validated.

However, she cautioned that further work was needed to ensure it was not leading the rescue effort into a "blind alley".

DFTD is described by scientists as a rogue cell line transmitted between the notoriously feisty devils when they bite each other. It has spread across 59 per cent of Tasmania, resulting in the state and federal governments listing the species as vulnerable.

Scientists are slowly unravelling the mysteries of the globally unique disease, with a trial vaccine developed at the University of Tasmania to be tested later this year.

In another development, researchers believe the lack of genetic diversity among devils means their immune system does not recognise the DFTD rogue cell line as foreign.

This prevents an immune response, leading to an unabated spread of tumours and death within three to eight months.

About 45 disease-free devils have been sent to mainland zoos and wildlife parks as a "Noah's Ark" population.

With killer fungus stalking frogs, zoos unite to save them

 

The American toad, an Ohio native, is considered susceptible to the chytrid fungus.

Morning Papers - continued

Zoos

An elegant affair celebrates the magic of the Staten Island Zoo
Bank official and editor are honored as funds are raised for the facility
Friday, February 16, 2007
By TEVAH PLATT
ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's just a facet of zoological magic -- every person finds different favorites among the beasts.
The honorees at last night's ball benefiting the Staten Island Zoo, Advance Editor Brian Laline and Frank Besignano of SI Bank & Trust, have been enchanted by the tropical fish, the prairie dogs and otters, and the turtle who lived into its ancient years at the West Brighton institution.

http://www.silive.com/news/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/117163260264730.xml&coll=1


Philadelphia Zoo to Officially Debut Baby Tamarin

Feb. 16, 2007 - Kids off from school on Monday, Feb. 19th? The Philadelphia Zoo will host PECO Primate Day in PECO Primate Reserve and officially debut our newest baby golden lion tamarin, born Jan. 22nd.
This birth is another step forward in the conservation success story for this beautiful Brazilian monkey. Keepers will give talks about the Zoo's tamarins, orangutans and lemurs and conservation projects to save these endangered animals in the wild.
Arts and crafts items will be available for children. Free with admission, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=animals_oddities&id=5040133


Vendors sought for Zoo Day flea market
The Clarion-Ledger
Arts and crafts and other vendors are sought by the Jackson Zoo for a limited number of spaces at the zoo’s March 10 AT&T Zoo Day flea market area (no food vendors, please).

Live music, games, face painting, cartoon characters and keeper chats are part of the 10 a.m.-4 p.m. event. This year’s AT&T Zoo Day will raise funds to build a new exhibit for the wreathed hornbills.

Call Amanda Blackwell at 601-352-2500 to reserve space.



Two of zoo's elephants are pregnant

By Allison M. Heinrichs
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, February 16, 2007
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is expecting some big babies.
Officials announced today that two of the zoo's elephants are pregnant. The zoo plans to release 4-D ultrasound images of the babies in utero and more details about the pregnancies on Tuesday.
"The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is thrilled to announce the pregnancy of our African Elephants," spokeswoman Tracy Gray said in a press release.
The last time an elephant at the zoo was pregnant was seven years ago.

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/rss/s_493548.html


LA ZOO Sumatran Rhino Makes Historic Journey to Indonesia
ANDALAS, the first Sumatran rhinoceros born in captivity in over 100 years will leave his Los Angeles Zoo home of three years later this week to go to Indonesia. Andalas will become the first Sumatran rhino ever to be transported from the United States to Indonesia as part of an international breeding program. He will join two female rhinos, at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in the Way Kambas National Park on the Island of Sumatra.

“Andalas’ journey to Indonesia is vital to the future of Sumatran rhinos” states Zoo Director John Lewis, “This breeding program is just one example of the extent zoos will go to in order to save a species from extinction.”

Andalas (the original name of the Island of Sumatra) received great fanfare when he was born on September 13, 2001, to rhinos Emi and Ipuh at the Cincinnati Zoo. His birth marked the first time that a calf was born at a zoo since 1889 when a live birth was recorded at the Calcutta Zoo in India. His mother Emi, who had several unsuccessful pregnancies prior to having Andalas, has been on loan to the Cincinnati Zoo from the LA Zoo since 1995.

http://www.asianjournal.com/?c=45&a=18145


Baby Gorilla On Display At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (video)

Reporter: McKenzie Martin
Email: mmartin@kktv11news.com

For the first time since a baby gorilla was born more than 2 weeks ago, The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has re-opened their primate exhibit.
The building has been closed since the birth of a baby to Asha, one of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s female gorillas. Asha immediately picked up her baby after delivery and has been nursing and caring for her offspring since the January 31 birth. Zoo officials have kept the building closed and have not allowed the general public access to the gorilla exhibit since the birth, giving the gorilla troop and the Zoo’s primate keepers an opportunity to adjust to the new arrival.
Large crowds are expected at the Zoo this weekend there will be a limit on the number of guests that can be in Primate Building at any one time.
This gorilla birth comes nearly one year after the birth of Umande, the male gorilla born on February 18, 2006 at the Zoo. Umande was hand-reared by Zoo staff and volunteers after his mother, Kwisha, did not care for him. Umande was sent to the Columbus Zoo in October of 2006 to be united with his surrogate mother, Lulu, who has adopted him.


Zoo family welcomes baby chimp
ALBUQUERQUE -- It was quite a celebration at the Rio Grande Zoo today as everyone welcomed a new member of the family.
The zoo was showing off its baby chimp born Monday to 30-year-old Elaine.
Officials said it's the first chimpanzee birth at the zoo since the new Adventure Africa exhibit opened in 2004.
The birth is extra special for two reasons..
“I've been here 21 years, and this first one since I've been here,” animal curator Rick Janser said. “And anytime you can add a member to the endangered population, that's always a significant event.”
The proud papa Alf is about 20 years old.

http://www.krqe.com/expanded.asp?ID=19902


Manatee Dies At Columbus Zoo
Feb 16 2007 5:10PM
A female manatee died this week at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, zoo officials announced Friday.
The manatee, known as Willoughby and was about 15 years old, came to the zoo in 2005.
According to zoo officials, Willoughby was rescued in June 1995 from the St. Lucie River after being struck with a propeller from a watercraft and was moved to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
At the request of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Willoughby and one other female manatee were transported to the Columbus Zoo in October 2005. She was part of a group of manatees at Homosassa infected with a papilloma virus, and Willoughby and another manatee were sent to Columbus as part of a research program on the papilloma virus.
The cause of Willoughby's death is pending and a necropsy will be conducted by the staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine Mammal Pathobiology lab, according to a press release issued by the Columbus Zoo.
In the fall of 2006, Willoughby became sick and Zoo staff began to treat her and closely monitor her condition. Despite treatment, her condition continued to decline, the press release said.
Manatees are protected at a federal level by the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of eleven institutions holding letters of authorization to serve as rehabilitation facilities under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Manatee Recovery Program.
Stay with WBNS-10TV and 10TV.com for more information.

http://www.10tv.com/?sec=news&story=sites/10tv/content/pool/200702/1758679243.html


Cops nab zoo wolf on run
ARMED police were called yesterday after a wolf was spotted roaming through a village.
Cops and animal keepers with tranquilliser guns spent hours tracking the animal after it jumped a fence at Dartmoor Wildlife Park and wandered along a road in Lutton, Devon.
The wolf — called Parker — was eventually darted and returned to its enclosure.
Wealthy widow Amelia Mee, 76, bought the park and its animals last year for £1million and gave it to her sons Duncan, 41, and Ben, 46. They want a zoo licence but face fierce local opposition following the escape of a jaguar in October.
Craig Redmond, of the Captive Animals Protection Society, called the brothers “irresponsible”.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007070904,00.html


Oregon Zoo establishes endangered species justice fund
The Oregon Zoo is receiving money from criminals -- criminals who violate wildlife statutes, that is. Community service payments ordered by Oregon's federal court as part of wildlife-crime sentences will now go into an Endangered Species Justice Fund, created by the zoo and the U.S. Attorney's Office in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Money in the fund will be used to help endangered and threatened species.
"It's sad to see crimes that hurt wildlife, but we are pleased with the opportunity to have some good come from tragedy," said Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio. "It's an honor for us to team up with the U.S. Attorney's Office and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help endangered wildlife."

http://www.bendweekly.com/Outdoors/2886.html


Zoo Prepares for Freezing Night
By Ryan Duffy
First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL --When the king of the jungle has to come in, you know it's cold.

Friday night the African plains and grasslands of South America habitats were empty at the Jacksonville Zoo as zookeepers moved animals inside.

"I'd say 75 to 80 percent of animals will be inside tonight. Animals native to Florida, panther, black bear, those will stay outside," says zookeeper Brett Smith.

Zookeepers expect six hours of freeze Friday night.

That's why Smith is leading confused giraffes and elephants into heated rooms.

The lions don't seem happy about it, but they get special heaters, extra hay and stay inside.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=76178


The silence of the frogs
Ponds eerily quiet as mystery fungus kills amphibians worldwide
By Dorie Turner,
Associated Press
Atlanta | Ponds and swamps are becoming eerily silent.

The familiar melody of ribbits, croaks and chirps is disappearing as a mysterious killer fungus wipes out frog populations around the globe, a phenomenon likened to the extinction of dinosaurs.

Scientists from around the world are meeting Thursday and today in Atlanta to organize a worldwide effort to stem the deaths by asking zoos, aquariums and botanical gardens to take in threatened frogs until the fungus can be stopped.

The aim of the group, called Amphibian Ark, is to prevent the world's more than 6,000 species of frogs, salamanders and wormlike sicilians from disappearing.

Scientists estimate up to 170 species of frogs have become extinct in the past decade from the fungus and other causes, and an additional 1,900 species are threatened.

http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070216/NEWS/702160336/-1/State


Zoo turning into a plastic dump
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Even though it is a plastic-free zone, the city zoo has turned into a huge dump for plastic items, including carry bags and PET bottles.
Zoo rules stipulate that any plastic item brought by a visitor be kept either in the cloakroom or outside the gate.
Exceptions are often made in the case of plastic feeding bottles and / or water bottles for very young children.
The white-uniformed zoo guards are supposed to be alert enough to prevent people from discarding plastic material near animal enclosure. In spite of this, many carry bags and bottles can be seen thrown near many enclosures.
On Friday afternoon, the zoo officials were alerted to a big plastic bag found in the middle of the lion enclosure.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/17/stories/2007021701110200.htm

continued ...

Jack Murtha holds Bush's "Feet to the Fire"

 

In a very obscure interview held by a "MoveCongress.org," Representative Murtha was absolutely correct in his assessment of this president and his demands on troops of the USA. He stated, Bush is always ready to redeploy and deploy more troops into a war zone, but, never does it with enough protection to better insure their lives while on deployment.

Since the troops were deployed in response to the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, all the American people wanted from their Commander and Chief was to give the troops the best protection possible that would allow them to do the job and return home safely.

That never happened. Instead, what ensued was a mockery of that demand with little to no funds going for PROPER body armor. Not to mention Humvees properly armored. For years, the newsprint of this nation, primarily lead by The New York Times has repeatedly brought these issues before the public in a demand to better compensate the families of The Fallen and the better protect the troops from injury and death. To some extent the number of injured speaks to the fact the troops minimally had vests that protected their vital organs, but, returned with hugely maiming scars that would last a lifetime. Severed arms and legs have become the hallmark of the Iraq War.

"W"rongly 'sold' to the fearful American electorate after September 11th, Iraq became the next generation Vietnam. Based in fear of weapons of mass destruction of a disarmed and sovereign country, Bush took an understaffed military into battle to defeat a military that virtually didn't exist. With only a few scud missiles still in his command, Saddam Hussein's Iraq was an easy 'initial' victory. But, Bush never planned to secure the country from the volitility that laid latently within it's religious populations.

The Shi'ites of Islam which spans all of Arabia in groups such as Hizbollah all the way to the sovereign country of Iran had become radicalized. Over the many decades through advancing civilizations in Arabia the minority Shia were marginalized into an obscure culture out of the site of Western Journalism or Reality until there exploded an unrest in Iraq after the illegal invasion by Bush's military. The invasion set loose all the fears of all ethnicities and they armed themselves with weapons "W"rongly left unguarded and warehoused in the deserts of Iraq. As time went on the reality of this Civil War was becoming more and more evident and Bush dared to call it an insurgency.

The Central Government of Iraq was mostly exiles that taunted Cheney and Bush into the invasion in the face of every indication by the Global Community otherwise. As a result the people at the top of the government didn't have any contact within the country or it's mood for some time regardless of their claims. Their leadership has been virtually meaningless and to be quite honest, lately, Prime Minister Maliki and Bush colluded to 'paint' a landscape of Baghdad that was 'under control' by some cockamamy new leadership in the USA military including it's Defense Secretary. That deception quickly was put to rest when explosions began within 48 hours of the claim and the most recent attacks included direct assaults on an American compound.

The interview of Representative Murth, which can be viewed here (click on) reveals the most poignant criticism of Bush's lack of commitment to the troops to date. During the entire invasion, from 2003 and including today's date, Mr. Bush has stated the people of the USA should "Support the Troops" and if you support the troops then you support the war. This revealing insight by Representative Murtha brings light to fact, Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney never once 'Supported the Troops' in a real way that would insure their lives and the INTEGRITY of the USA miltiary, but, instead cut corners and ignored the most challenging aspect of any war and that is how a Commander and Chief best protects his military while achieving the goals of battle.

Representative Murtha has done the USA a great service to point to the gross negligence of this administration to include in requests for military budgets the absolutely necessities of survival in battle that the troops need. The deaths and injuries of our troops falls directly on the shoulders of the Bush White House and it's negligence of their duties as Commander and Chief of USA Forces for never providing the protections our troops needed to bring them home. That resonates through all aspects of this illegal conflict including the recruitment techniques and the fact this war is so illegitimate in all aspects that no one in their right mind would enlist to serve under such men.

The Commander and Chief and his Vice President are incompetent and need to be removed from office. One of the real dangers of such men in powerful positions is that their overt desperation to continue their rhetoric and 'conquer' the very country they lead. I personally hope all 'fail safe' systems of our nuclear arsenal are intact and the remaining Joint Chiefs have a steady hand on the 'cause' to launch as there is a growing hostile dialogue about Iran. With depleted USA military to respond to aggressions it is uncertain the course Bush would take if he feels desperate enough.

I am quite confident the dialogue Representative Murtha has begun is vitally important. It speaks to the issues of how this country values it's troops and their NECESSARY deployments vs. the whims of incompetent leaders.